“>The honeymoon has begun for the new superintendent of the South Whidbey School District.Monday night Dr. Martin Laster and family watched as the school board unanimously approved a three-year contract starting at $98,000 per year. After hearing accolades from the board, Laster turned his attention to the audience, which was filled with well-wishers, many of whom had picked him as their first choice after watching interviews with several finalists last month.Laster smiled and shook hands on one side of the room, while on the other side a cake purchased in his honor was disappearing slice by slice. There was nary a word of criticism or dissent, which on South Whidbey indicates the honeymoon period has begun.Laster is South Whidbey’s third superintendent in the last four years. He replaces Dr. Lisa Bjork, who announced her resignation in March after four years on the job because of lukewarm support from the board, as she described it at the time. One thing she wanted was what Laster received — a three year contract.Bjork’s duties end on June 30, after which she will work for Seattle Pacific University in the continuing education department.Before Bjork, Art Jarvis served as superintendent for 11 years. He resigned after differences with the board and now heads the Enumclaw School District.Laster has been superintendent of the Darrington School District for the past four years. Prior to that he lived in Alaska where he was a principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent. He won superintendent of the year honors while in Alaska.Dick Smith, superintendent search consultant, reviewed the process for Monday night’s crowd and told them that South Whidbey was looking for a leader with a strong background in finances and academics. You found that man in Martin Laster, he said.Adsley was joined by board members Wendy Alexander, Barbara Schneeman and Ray Gabelein in approving Laster’s contract. Bob Riggs was out of town but an email was read in which he concurred with the decision.Laster confined his brief remarks to thanking the board and community. I’m very, very excited, he said. This is a great school district and a great community. I am very honored to be here.Laster’s contract begins on July 1. Besides $98,000 a year in salary, it includes 12 days of annual sick leave, 20 days of paid vacation, $10,000 for a tax-sheltered annuity program, and $500,000 in term life insurance.”